Test results revealed alarming levels of Pfas, exceeding EU safe levels by thousands of times at seventeen English airports. These toxic substances, found in groundwater and surface water samples, are linked to various serious health issues. London Luton airport reported the highest concentration, with one sample showing 36,084 nanograms per litre, substantially above the proposed EU threshold of 4.4ng/l. The findings included the presence of banned carcinogens like PFOS and PFOA, prompting discussions about monitoring and regulatory limits for these persistent chemicals in the UK.
Seventeen airports recorded elevated levels of Pfas in the ground and surface water sample on their sites, according to unpublished Environment Agency documents.
The largest Pfas total recorded was at London Luton airport, with total Pfas in one groundwater sample... of 36,084 nanograms per litre.
Among the specific Pfas detected at these 17 airports were PFOS and PFOA two banned and toxic chemicals which are suspected and known carcinogens.
A London Luton airport spokesperson said: Like many airports and other industries in the UK and around the world, we are investing in and working closely with relevant agencies to assess and monitor Pfas.
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